England's Euro 2004 qualifying decider in Istanbul could be played behind closed doors following the serious incidents of crowd trouble during the Turkey v Macedonia match.

England's Euro 2004 qualifying decider in Istanbul could be played behind closed doors following the serious incidents of crowd trouble during the Turkey v Macedonia match.

The Turkish FA are almost certain to be charged by UEFA following the incidents during the game on Wednesday night, and the sanction could be that they have to play their next home European Championship qualifier in an empty stadium.

That match would be the one against England on October 11 and the Turkish FA will have an anxious few weeks before the UEFA disciplinary panel meet on July 3 to decide their fate.

If a `behind closed doors' punishment is imposed, that would swing the group massively in England's favour as they would not have to face the notoriously-intimidating Turkish fans. The English FA have already decided to not to take England fans to the fixture.

In the match against Macedonia, which Turkey won 3-2, numerous missiles were thrown on to the pitch and Macedonia midfielder Sasko Lazarevski was struck on the head. Riot police also had to form a shield to protect visiting players taking a corner.

UEFA's Mike Lee said: "We are aware of incidents that have been reported from that game and an investigation has been opened on the basis of information already received.

"We have already received the referee's report and reference has been made to missiles coming on to the pitch."